The Secret History · Question
How does The Secret History develop the theme of Abuse of Power?
Answer
The Secret History by Procopius develops Abuse of Power across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The narrative shows how those in authority, from the imperial couple to appointed magistrates, exploit their positions to murder, confiscate property, and terrorize citizens without fear of accountability.
Antonina uses her influence over Belisarius to murder witnesses and even Constantine, demonstrating how personal power can be abused for revenge and to cover up crimes.
Belisarius prioritizes personal jealousy over military duty, withdrawing the army and abandoning strategic objectives, while Antonina uses her influence to slander her son.
Theodora tortures Photius and Belisarius's friends, violates sanctuary, and forces reconciliation.
Evidence in the book
- How the Great General Belisarius Was Hoodwinked by His Wife, Whose Lover Became a Monk
Antonina uses her influence over Belisarius to murder witnesses and even Constantine, demonstrating how personal power can be abused for revenge and to cover up crimes.
- II: How Belated Jealousy Affected Belisarius’s Military Judgment, to the Joy of the Enemy
Belisarius prioritizes personal jealousy over military duty, withdrawing the army and abandoning strategic objectives, while Antonina uses her influence to slander her son.
- III: Showing the Danger of Interfering with a Woman’s Intrigues, Especially When the Woman Is the Friend of an Empress
Theodora tortures Photius and Belisarius's friends, violates sanctuary, and forces reconciliation.
- How Theodora, Revenging Her Dear Antonina, Humiliated the Conqueror of Africa and Italy
Theodora uses her imperial authority to imprison Buzes without trial, strip Belisarius of command, and confiscate his wealth for personal revenge.
- How Theodora Tricked the General’s Daughter Into a Liaison with the Empress’s Nephew, and Belisarius Became a Public Laughing Stock
Theodora forces a young girl into a sexual liaison to secure wealth, and protects Sergius despite his crimes, showing imperial abuse.
- Ignorance of the Emperor Justin, and His Stencilled Signature, and How His Nephew Justinian Was the Virtual Ruler
Justin's inability to govern led to the stenciled signature system, while Justinian abused his virtual rule to kill rivals and destroy the Roman state.
- Character and Appearance of Justinian
Justinian uses his authority to plunder countries, sack cities, enslave nations, confiscate property without cause, and punish based solely on accusations.
- IX: And How Theodora, Most Depraved of All Courtesans, Won His Love
Justinian and Theodora use their authority to plunder the empire and favor the Blue faction, while Theodotus is unjustly persecuted.
